In celebration of International Youth Day, The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has today released their first-ever Youth Engagement Strategy; a roadmap that will guide their youth-related work from 2025-2027.

The strategy was created in consultation with HRPS members, the Service’s Youth Advisory Council, and 49 local community partners and the youth they serve, representing various sectors including education, healthcare, youth justice, child welfare and family supports, and settlement/newcomer agencies.

HRPS members who work with youth will continue to ensure their voices are heard during the creation, delivery, and measurement of future activities, including high-quality programs that equip young people with transferable life skills. As outlined in the strategy, the Service will also use the newly designed Community Resource Map to identify and connect youth to local organizations that can offer additional support when necessary. 

Stephen Tanner, Chief of the Halton Regional Police Service said: “Given that Halton is one of the fastest growing regions in Canada, it’s important that we unite as a community to ensure no young person gets left behind. By consulting a range of community organizations and those they serve, we can better understand what young people need to live productive and meaningful lives, and work together to offer solutions. On behalf of the Halton Regional Police Service, we thank our community partners for their valuable insights. We’re fortunate to work alongside them to help improve the lives and futures of all young people across Halton.”

Angelica Tam, HRPS Youth Advisory Council President, said: “I feel the relationship between the police and youth is so important because it builds a foundation of trust, respect, transparency and communication that allows us to implement impactful changes within our community. When there is mutual trust between the two respective parties, only then can we foster understanding, open dialogue and collaboration in addressing prevalent issues within our society. I was and still am optimistic that the relationship between Halton’s youth and police officers can continue to grow over time, thereby creating an environment of engagement and safety."

Click here to read the 2025-2027 Youth Engagement Strategy. 

We look forward to sharing a public end-of-term report to evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the strategy. 


Media inquiries:

Halton Regional Police Service
Media Relations
Phone: 905-825-4899
Email: corpcomm@haltonpolice.ca